Those who know me well know that there’s nothing I value more in food than a great taco. I’ve had friends point out that I always choose whatever is the closest thing to a taco on any given menu. I will admit that this is pretty much true, but really, who could blame me? I mean, how often can you pack so much from the food pyramid (or whatever shape that thing is now) into one bite? Also, it is a great way to trick my kids into eating vegetables.

So, last week (March 21st) it was National Crunchy Taco Day. Now, not that I needed an excuse to eat more delicious crunchy tacos, but let’s celebrate! You will notice that there are also a few soft shell tacos because Davis has a deep love with the soft shell. However, I am here to tell you that the boy ate 4, yes 4 tacos in one sitting. He must be about to hit a growth spurt.

I like to lay out all of the taco topping options… a taco bar if you will. I think this makes it more fun for the kids and encourage them to reach for more “green”. The other thing this does is dirty up even more dishes. I am not a fan of that!

Not only are there the leftover dishes and serving bowls, but there’s also that sauce pan that I cooked the meat in. There’s generally stuck on meat, grease and spices. So, how do you solve the problem quickly? I have been and will continue to use Cascade. Cascade Platinum is like the bomb diggity of dish detergents! I don’t have to soak the pans or pre-rinse. Just get rid of most of the food (let’s be honest… 2 boys don’t do this sometimes) and plop those nasty dishes in the washer with the Cascade Platinum packet. The result is always pristine dishes free from the grim and I have saved myself the elbow grease and time.

Now, for those of you looking for your very own taco seasoning recipe, here is one we like because there is less sodium and you can make up a batch and store it!

SIMPLE TACO SEASONING RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

pinch of red pepper flakes (I don’t use much)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon of salt (or less)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Mix all dry ingredients together. Use about 3 tablespoons per pound of ground beef and add about 2/3 cups of water.

Felicia Carter is founder and managing editor of Go Grow Go. Her philosophy is to simplify, save, grow and go! Her home is generally full of DIY projects, crafts, yummy baked goods and lots of love. Felicia is also a wife, mom of 2 boys and nationally certified counselor. You can always find her near the chocolate or the coffee pot.

Oh that is such a fun way to do the tacos with the muffin cups! I have to do that for us! I guess I am pretty boring with ours….I just put everything in a separate bowl…and have so many dishes to wash. I have to use muffin tins! 🙂